GDE vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. GDE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: GDEMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGDESPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.09%
AUM$431M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.35%1.01%
Holdings505505
YTD Return+9.02%+13.79%
1Y Return+41.95%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+44.88%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)22.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-32.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyWisdomTree InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 17, 2022Jan 22, 1993

GDE vs SPY Performance

WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GDE returned +41.95% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, GDE is up 9.02% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, GDE compounded at +44.88% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, GDE has the edge at +28.29% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

GDE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.5% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -32.0% for GDE and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GDE charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDE currently yields 4.35% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

73.0%overlap

GDE and SPY share 392 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 73.0% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in GDEWeight in SPYDifference
NVDA6.99%7.31%0.32%
AAPL5.93%7.09%1.16%
GOOGL6.54%3.32%3.22%
MSFTProProPro
AMZNProProPro
AVGOProProPro
TSLAProProPro
LLYProProPro
MUProProPro
AMDProProPro
See all 10 holdings GDE shares with SPY
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GDE or SPY?

GDE has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GDE or SPY?

Over the past year GDE returned +41.95% vs +23.66% for SPY, so GDE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GDE annualized +28.29% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GDE or SPY?

GDE has been the more volatile fund at 22.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GDE -32.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both GDE and SPY?

GDE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GDE and SPY?

GDE and SPY share 392 common holdings with a 73.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GDE or SPY?

GDE yields 4.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GDE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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